Air-Fried Ribeye Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

You can definitely cook a ribeye steak in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to cook a juicy, tender steak with minimal fuss and preparation. The air fryer works similarly to a small convection oven by moving superheated air around the food, helping to create a crispy exterior. While you won't get the same smoky char as you would on a grill, your steak will still be beautifully cooked on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Choosing the right cut of ribeye steak

When it comes to choosing the perfect ribeye steak to cook in your air fryer, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

Firstly, let's talk about the characteristics of a good ribeye steak. The ribeye cut comes from the rib cage area of the cow, located directly underneath the backbone. This area contains muscles that don't get as much work as others, making the ribeye a naturally tender piece of meat. A distinctive feature of the ribeye is the "eye"—a large piece of white fat in the centre, surrounded by a heavily marbled piece of meat.

Now, here are some tips for choosing the best ribeye steak for your air fryer:

• Look for good marbling: The marbling is the flecks of fat spread throughout the meat. The more marbling a ribeye steak has, the juicier it will be. So, when selecting your steak, look for one that has a nice even distribution of fat throughout.
• Size matters: For air frying, thicker steaks are generally better. Aim for steaks that are around 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches thick. This gives the outside enough time to develop a nice colour and crispness without overcooking the inside.
• Bring it to room temperature: Try to take your steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This will bring it to room temperature, which helps the steak cook more evenly and reduces the risk of overcooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: When cooking your ribeye, make sure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space around each steak so that the hot air can circulate properly. If you're cooking multiple steaks, you may need to do it in batches.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect ribeye steak for your air fryer. Keep in mind that a good steak doesn't need much to shine, so keep it simple and let the flavour of the meat speak for itself!

Marinating the steak

Firstly, take your steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook them. This is an important step, as you want the steaks to be at room temperature before they hit the heat. Cooking steaks straight from the fridge can lead to uneven cooking and less-than-ideal results.

Next, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. You can then brush each side of the steak lightly with extra virgin olive oil – about 1 teaspoon per steak should be enough.

Now it's time to apply the seasoning. A simple mixture of salt and pepper is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and even a small amount of brown sugar. Mix your chosen dry ingredients together and apply them liberally to both sides of the steaks, making sure to get some on the sides as well.

Once your steaks are seasoned, it's time to fire up the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This step is important because you want the steaks to start sizzling as soon as they hit the tray or basket.

Depending on your desired level of doneness, you can now place the steaks in the air fryer. For a medium-rare steak, cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side. If you prefer your steak medium, go for 8 minutes per side. An instant-read food thermometer will be your best friend here – simply remove the steaks from the air fryer when they reach an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare, or 140°F for medium.

Finally, let the steaks rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the internal muscle fibres to relax and the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Your ribeye steaks are now ready to be enjoyed!

Seasoning the steak

Firstly, it is recommended to bring the steak to room temperature before seasoning and cooking. Take the steak out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to cooking. This step is important because it helps the steak cook more evenly and prevents it from drying out.

When it comes to the seasoning itself, you can use a variety of ingredients, depending on your preference. Here are some options:

• Keep it simple with just salt and pepper. Use a coarse salt like kosher salt and a coarse grind of black pepper.
• Try a steak seasoning blend, such as Montreal Steak Seasoning, or make your own blend with spices like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and a small amount of brown sugar.
• Opt for a marinade by combining ingredients like soy sauce, olive oil, and grill seasoning in a resealable bag with the steaks. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cooking.
• Use a simple combination of sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices like onion powder or paprika.

Once you've chosen your seasoning, it's time to apply it to the steak. Brush each side of the steak with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. Then, apply the seasoning liberally to both sides of the steak, making sure to coat it evenly. You can also season the sides of the steak.

After seasoning, it's important to let the steak rest for a few minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This allows the seasoning to absorb into the meat and enhances the flavour.

When cooking the steak, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Then, place the steaks in the air fryer and cook according to your desired doneness, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Remember, the key to a great steak is not only in the seasoning but also in the cooking technique. By following these steps and allowing the steak to rest, you'll achieve a juicy, tender, and flavourful ribeye steak cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Cooking the steak

Take the steaks out of the fridge and let them sit on the counter for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This is important because you don't want to put an ice-cold steak straight onto the heat.

Unwrap the steaks and pat them dry with a paper towel. Brush each side with extra virgin olive oil—about 1 teaspoon per steak will do.

Mix your chosen seasonings together and apply them liberally to both sides of the steaks. You can also marinate the steaks in advance. A simple seasoning blend could include salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and a little brown sugar. Alternatively, you could use a store-bought steak seasoning.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. You want the air fryer to be nice and hot so that the steaks sizzle as soon as they hit the tray.

Place the steaks in the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness. As a guide, a 1-inch-thick steak cooked to medium-rare should take around 8–10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the steak is cooked to your liking.

When the steak is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

Serve with a pat of butter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley.

Resting the steak

To rest the steak, place it on a large plate or cutting board and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes for thinner steaks and up to 10 minutes for thicker ones. This allows the steak to reach its desired internal temperature and prevents overcooking. The steak will continue to cook slightly from residual heat, so it's important to remove it from the air fryer a few degrees shy of your target temperature.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare some side dishes or sauces to serve with it. Some side dish options include roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or potatoes. For a fancier touch, you can add a pat of herb butter or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

It is important to note that the resting time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. A good guideline is to rest the steak for about 5 minutes per inch of thickness. This ensures that the steak reaches the perfect temperature and allows the juices to redistribute evenly.

Additionally, if you are using an instant-read meat thermometer to check the doneness of your steak, make sure to remove it from the air fryer 5°F before reaching your desired internal temperature. This is because the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise slightly during the resting phase.

Frequently asked questions